Best Venice hotels for foodies

Eating out in Venice can be expensive, especially in the touristy cafes and restaurants around San Marco. Good areas to hunt for more authentic, well-priced restaurants are around the Rialto market, the Ghetto area of Cannaregio and in parts of Dorsoduro. So choose a hotel within striking distance of these areas. But also, hotel restaurants, chosen wisely, can be less of a touristy rip-off. We have eaten our way around Venice - tough task - to bring you a selection of the best Venice hotels for foodies.

Not surprisingly, given its watery location, Venice specialises in fish and seafood. This low-lying hinterland of the Veneto region, perfect for rice-growing, also makes risotto a popular dish, especially combined with seafood. Pork, polenta and - that most Italian of desserts - tiramisu, are also items for which to scour menus. The Veneto area is also a noteworthy vine-growing region; the wines to looks out for include Bardolino, Valpolicella and Soave.

Best Venice hotels for foodies

For a Michelin star

If you’re looking for Michelin star, it has to be the family-run Metropole, overlooking the lagoon. A hotel filled with the owners’ fabulous array of antiques and collectables, and with bedrooms ranging from lavish to more traditional. The Michelin-starred Met restaurant is in a suitably grand dining room, hung with silks and gilt-framed portraits. There’s also a chic bar and shady garden.

Venissa, on Isola di Mazzorbo which is linked to Burano by a wooden bridge, is a restaurant-with-rooms and considered one of the finest dining rooms in Venice. Family-run, with its own kitchen garden, orchard and vineyard, rooms are simple, chic and minimalist.

On the islands

If you don’t mind being a boat-ride from the star attractions of Venice, consider the charming, small northern islands. Torcello - once more populous than Venice but now charmingly faded with two sublime churches - is home to Locanda Cipriani, a restaurant-with-rooms and part of the grand Cipriani hotel on Guidecca. Rooms are simple but elegant and the food surprisingly sophisticated.

Tucked away on the tip of Guidecca island, Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa is a converted 16th-century convent, designed by the great Veneto architect, Andrea Palladio. Rooms are quirky and lavishly decorated, plus there’s a gourmet restaurant, with tasting menus, and the chance to take cookery lessons.

For dinner overlooking the Grand Canal

In a superb position, overlooking the Grand Canal, the 14th-century Ca’ Sagredo Hotel has everything you would expect of a Venetian palazzo: frescoes, stucco work, gilded furniture and rich fabrics. The icing on the cake is its canal-side terrace for dining on regional specialities with a modern twist.

Although it has a less than alluring (1960s) façade at the rear, the five-star Bauer L’Hotel, with a 19th-century core, has a good location on the Grand Canal. Its acclaimed De Pisis restaurant has a dining terrace with views to the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Salute.

Or take a look at its sister hotel, Bauer Il Palazzo, whose restaurant, overlooking the Grand Canal, is about as romantic as it gets in this romantic city. Beautiful bedrooms with a contemporary-lavish edge. There’s also a small spa with rooftop Jacuzzi plus a large rooftop terrace for breakfast.

For lagoon views

The Hotel Londra Palace, on the Riva degli Schiavoni, has wonderful lagoon views plus sleek bedrooms with original artwork and Biedermeier furnishings. Tchaikovsky was so enchanted with the setting, he wrote his Fourth Symphony here. The elegant restaurant is known for its fine-dining food; on balmy evenings, eat on the terrace; excellent people-watching.

Eating in Venice is as much about the views as the food. Use our guide to the best Venice hotels for foodies to ensure you get the best of both. If there's nothing here to tickle your taste buds, check out all our Venice recommendations, or contact a friendly guru for advice.

The Beggiato family open their doors and antique collection to give guests Lagoon views, a luxurious stay and Michelin star dining. Rooms are unique with an eclectic mix of curios and collectables. Enjoy the rare Venetian garden, the memorable dining experience and the Oriental Bar. Romantic stay.

A charming and chic restaurant with rooms, set in two acres of vineyard, on an idyllic island . A gastronomic delight off the beaten track, a half hour boat ride from downtown Venice. Rooms are simple and elegant with beamed ceilings and clean design. A foodies haven.

Foodies - The Michelin star restaurant headed by super chef Paola Budel, focuses on local produce and is undeniably one of Venice's best.

Hideaway - A perfect escape for those discerning travellers who would rather a rustic chic retreat to five star glitz and crowds.

Great walks - Take an evening stroll around Mazzorbo, the views are sensational as the sun goes down on the lagoon.

Homely yet sophisticated restaurant with rooms on magical Torcello, an outpost of the grand Cipriani. The rooms are simple yet elegant with balconies commanding views of the garden. Wonderful setting, quiet and secluded, serving unforgettable cuisine. A grown up hideaway.

Hideaway - Set on the most private and uninhabited Island in Venice, this is ideal for those looking for privacy and quiet.

Located on Giudecca Island this 16th century converted Palladian convent overlooks St. Mark's Basin and the Bacino. Rooms feature rich tapestries and soft silks, private balconies and luxurious marble bathrooms. There are delightful gardens and a huge spa. An utterly romantic and relaxing getaway.

Classic grand palazzo hotel with a breathtakingly romantic restaurant on the Grand Canal. Outrageously sumptuous suites, spa facilitates and rooftop jacuzzi commanding spectacular views are all part of the five star package. Honeymoon stuff.

140 years of history meets 21st century luxury. Large, comfortable rooms enjoy views of St. Mark’s Basin. Foodies can indulge in the fine dining menu whilst interior design lovers will appreciate the lavish, Venetian decor. Centrally located, St. Mark's Square is but a five minute walk away.

Writing a novel - Countless artists and authors have drawn inspiration from the hotel, including Tchaikovsky, who wrote his Fourth Symphony here.

Romantic Break - Sumptuous suites, spectacular views, chic dining and beds that are almost impossible to pull yourself out of.

City Style - Located on Promenade of Riva degli Schiavoni with Biedermeier style interiors and views of the Londra Palace.

Sights nearby - The famed Piazza San Marco is just around the corner, as is the Doge’s Palace.